The connection between workforce development and economic development cannot be overstated. Businesses cannot grow, innovate, or compete effectively without a skilled and reliable workforce. At the same time, a thriving local economy creates more opportunities for job seekers to build careers and improve their quality of life. This interdependence is why it is so crucial to build strong partnerships between organizations like the Yakima County Development Association (YCDA) and South Central Workforce (SCW).
By collaborating, we can offer a more comprehensive range of resources to local businesses. For instance, YCDA’s childcare business accelerator program, funded by a grant through SCW, tackled a significant workforce barrier: the lack of childcare spots that prevents parents from participating fully in the labor market. As a result of the accelerator, over 200 new childcare spaces were created as local childcare businesses expanded and more growth in this industry is on the way.
Similarly, YCDA’s no-cost Bilingual Business Accelerator Programs, also supported in part by grants from SCW, are expanding opportunities for growing businesses. Forty-two business owners with active plans for business growth received business training at the kick-off event in early March and we are anticipating an even larger gathering at the April 18th Accelerator event. The April event will offer attendees five additional hours of business growth training, including keynote presentations and multiple breakout sessions covering financial education, HR management, real estate, marketing & promotion, and financing.
After learning about the unmet needs of micro-Hispanic business owners in Yakima County, the SCW took proactive steps. It introduced Chismecito y Cafecito a fully employer-led networking group designed to offer a supportive, Spanish-speaking environment for Hispanic entrepreneurs to connect, share challenges, and address their unique business needs. Funded through the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Community Reinvestment Plan (CRP), the group of participating business owners has grown from fifteen to fifty-five participants and is attracting attention statewide. Motivated by its success, the local workforce development board in North Central Washington is now planning a similar initiative in Wenatchee, expanding support for Spanish-speaking business owners.
Additionally, workforce development programs that focus on skills-based hiring and upskilling workers help businesses fill critical roles more efficiently. SCW helps businesses address skill gaps and workforce challenges through Incumbent Worker Training (IWT). Recently, SCW helped Yakima Chief Hops train 28 managers in leadership development to build team trust and reinforce its position as a global supplier. These investments demonstrate how IWT drives business success by equipping workers with essential skills for long-term career growth.
Later this month, I will join fellow board members of SCW at the National Association of Workforce Boards Forum 2025 in Washington, D.C. This national gathering brings together workforce development leaders from across the country. Beyond the conference sessions, we will also meet with legislators on Capitol Hill to discuss policies that support workforce development and, by extension, economic development in Yakima County.
As we engage with federal lawmakers, our message will be clear: continued investment in workforce development is essential for sustaining the economic momentum we have built in Yakima County. Ultimately, a well-prepared workforce is the foundation of a strong economy. By aligning our workforce and economic development efforts, we can build Yakima County where businesses thrive, workers find meaningful employment, and our community prospers.
This monthly column, authored by Jon Smith, Executive Director of YCDA, published in the Yakima Herald-Republic. You can read it online here.